Pennsylvania College of Technology's North Campus Outreach Practical Nursing Program near Wellsboro has added a class of nursing students from the Potter County region.
Fifteen students from Coudersport, Austin, Roulette, Westfield, Genessee, North Bingham and Galeton began classes Sept. 12. The 1,504-hour program is fully approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Beginning classes and labs are held at the North Campus, where a fully equipped nursing lab exists. Charles Cole Memorial Hospital and Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport were visited by State Board officials and approved as clinical sites. In a cooperative effort to better meet the educational and employment needs of the community, the Potter County Education Council will provide classroom space and student assistance for the program.
Plans for the program began last year with a meeting conducted by Netra Baker, education director at Cole Memorial Hospital. Helene Nawrocki, executive director of the Potter County Education Council, and Mickie Elliott, director of nursing at Sweden Valley Manor, were instrumental in the planning phases.
Initially, more than 60 potential students from Potter County indicated an interest in the program.
This class will complete program requirements in December 2006, and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses for licensure. Employment opportunities for LPNs are available in hospitals, doctors' offices, clinics, long-term care and other health-related facilities.
To learn more or to obtain a current list of classes, contact the North Campus at (570) 724-7703.